Summer is just around the corner, and the intense heat may cause houses to be more prone to fires. Admittedly, a fire can be the scariest and most threatening natural calamity we can experience. They can suddenly occur, often without warning. But there are proactive things we can do to prevent our homes from catching fire. Here are ways to fireproof your home and keep your family safe.
Trim greenery and get rid of dry vegetation
Most homeowners have a yard in their homes that admittedly makes the place more aesthetic and welcoming. But these plants can cause fires to flourish in the dry season. That’s why you should be taking care of your yard. Never neglect to trim your greenery and get rid of dry plants, since these are more prone to catching and spreading fire. You can also opt to grow fire-resistant plants such as Live Oak or Lavender.
Eliminate debris
During the change in seasons, a lot of debris or leaves may have accumulated in your gutters, roof, and other areas of your house. Debris is very much prone to catching fire, so you’ll want to get rid of those immediately. Have your roof and gutters inspected and cleaned. Also, never neglect to conduct general cleaning in your home, especially during the dry season.
Spray your home with fire-retardant chemicals
There are companies nowadays that offer fire prevention services. What they usually do is spray safe chemicals in your home that have properties capable of stopping or preventing the spread of fire. Have a professional spray these in your home, especially in the yard and other at-risk areas.
Inspect your electrical appliances
Most fires are caused by misuse of appliances or electrical problems. Make sure that all electrical equipment in your home is properly secured. Call an electrician in Orem and schedule inspections now and then.
Invest in smoke detectors
Smoke detectors will help you stop a fire before it even arises. Because they are programmed to detect heavy smoke, they will go off and activate the sprinklers to water down any area that’s starting to catch fire.
Invest in a fire extinguisher
Ideally, every home should have at least one fire extinguisher for an extra line of defense in case of emergencies. If you have a large home, invest in several extinguishers and position them in all at-risk areas such as the kitchen and fireplace. This will enable you to access them right away in case a fire catches.
Consider renovating your home
A lot of the materials used to build a home are flammable. Cedar shakes and wooden roofs are just a few examples. If you want a more durable and fireproof option, consider renovations and replace materials in your roof and walls. Tile or metal roofing and brick exteriors do not catch fire at all and are more durable to sustain years of use. Renovating your home may sound expensive, but shelling out this money is worth your family’s safety.
Discuss an escape plan
The most important fire-prevention effort you can do is to have an escape plan. Fires can occur at random, and we can’t always control it. But what we can do is to ensure that our families know what to do in case of emergencies. Sit down with your whole family and discuss your safety protocols. Include an emergency escape route, a backup plan, and a place where everyone should meet in case you get separated during the fire.
Taking the necessary precautions to fireproof your home will go a long way in keeping your family safe in case of emergencies. Take these tips and immediately begin fireproofing your home.
